The track rises steadily up through exotic forest and then open tussock hill slopes. Mt John is fantastic viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, lakes and Mackenzie Basin flats. The Mt John Observatory and cafe are at the top.
Another popular option is to drive to the top of Mt John, park near the cafe and walk the Summit Circuit Track (30–45 min).
Mt John via lakeshore
Time: 3 hr
Walk past the Tekapo Springs complex and follow the track on the western side of Lake Tekapo. The track climbs up to Mt John Summit Track. Descend through the exotic forest back to where you started.
Mountain biking
No mountain bikes allowed.
The start of this track is located next to the Tekapo Springs complex.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 435 1186 |
| Email: | mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |